Monday, April 29, 2013

Hi bloggers! I've been thinking about this question for a post for a long time!

How many ways can you use a steel rule die?

As you will see many ways! I chose one of my favorite dies and used it in several different ways. Let's get started.

A steel rule die is a die that is just that, a die made with a steel rule that cuts through a variety of materials. The possibilities are endless as you will see. I've used the same die, the Tim Holtz Movers and Shapers MiniButterflies and Shapers die for all the cards.

CARD #1

Focus - Die cut and use thepaper butterflies for embellishments.

Cut several banners, a background piece and the Hello. Ink the edges of all pieces with Vintage Photo Distress Ink on an Ink Blending Tool.

Adhere or pop dot all the pieces to your card.

CARD #2

Focus - Using the die cut out shape as an element on your card.

Die cut the Butterfly from your background piece. Cut your messages and hearts from the paper. Ink all the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink on an Ink Blending Tool. Adhere some dictionary print under the area where the butterfly will be.

Stain the Crinkle Ribbon by applying Distress Stain directly to your Craft Sheet and adding some H2O. Dry the ribbon with a Heat Tool and crinkle it as it dries.

Once the ribbon is dry add a little Vintage Photo Distress Ink using an Ink Blending tool.

Tie a big bow around the background piece and pop dot to the base card. Pop dot the messages and elements to the card.

CARD #3

Focus - Using the die cut as a paper stencil.

Die cut the Butterfly from a piece of scrap card stock. Position and tape the stencil down where you want the butterflies. Cut a piece of blending foam into some small squares. Apply a little Distress Paint to your Craft Sheet. Pick the paint up with the little piece of foam and use an up and down motion to color the Butterflies. Let dry.

Stamp some script on the Butterfly with the Stencil still in position using Sepia Archival Ink. You may need to mask off your background depending on how large your stamp is. Use good pressure to get a good image.

Tie twine around the card with an Enamel Tag that has the word "Wish" Rubbed on from the new Remnant Rubs.

CARD #4

Focus - Using the die to create a mask for the butterflies.

Place the mask onto a piece of Manilla card stock for the background. With Distress Ink on an Ink Blending tool add ink as desired. The mask material is nice because it's clear and you can see the color develop as you ink. Stamp the flowers with Jet Black Archival ink. Ink the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink on an Ink Blending tool.

Use Vintage Photo Distress Ink and stamp the honey comb. Carefully pull off the mask. If desired use the outside portion of your mask to color the butterflies a color. Tie twine around the background piece with a Word Band. Adhere the piece to your base card. Paint some Foliage with Distress Paint and adhere to card.

CARD #5

Focus - Using the die to create a foam stamp.

To create your stamps, die cut the Butterflies from thick foam. For the ease of handling I adhered a bingo piece to the butterflies using Matte Medium. Let dry.

Apply Distress Paint to your Craft Sheet. Pounce the stamp into the paint. Stamp the images onto the background paper.

Ink the edges of all the pieces with Vintage Photo Distress ink on an Ink Blending Tool. Adhere the elements to the base card. Tie twine around the card. Paint the Foliage with Distress Paint, let dry and adhere to card.

I love the versatility of steel rule dies!

The possibilities are endless!

All the papers used for the cards are with the NEW Cosmo Cricket, Sweet Disposition 8" x 8" Mini deck. Such a cute collection.

Thanks for stopping by!

Richele

How do you use your steel rule dies??

Head over to Inspiration Emporium for lots of crafty goodness! Just click on the links below.